13 gyms in South London where you can get fit for 2019 and how to get a trial pass

David Lloyd Clubs is just one of the gym and health club companies you can choose to help you get fit this year (Image: David Lloyd Clubs)

At the start of each new year you might promise yourself you're going to get fit, get into shape and maybe lose a bit of weight.

And as the weather starts to get warmer you might make that same promise to yourself once again as you start to picture yourself toned and glowing with a perfect beach body on your summer holiday.

And then Christmas starts to come around once more and you desperately want to look your best for the festive season and all the parties and social gatherings you hope to be at.

So do you stick to your promise? Or does each resolution just fall by the wayside again and again and you finish the year resolving to stick to it next time?

One of the ways you might decide to go about getting in shape is by joining a gym - yes, you are going to be a bonafide gym bunny and even splash out on trendy new gym clothes and fancy trainers so you look and feel the part.

Perhaps you vow to squeeze in a few classes such as spinning (you know, that workout to music on exercise bikes which frankly looks exhausting) or perhaps some gentle pilates.

If you've never done it before spin, like at a PureGym branch pictured here, looks like an exhausting exercise class but it's really good for improving your fitness (Image: PureGym)

If running in the rain isn't for you you might prefer staying in the warm gym for a jog on the running machine.

Or maybe you are aiming for a six-pack or nicely toned tum with the help of a few weights.

But the first thing to do is search out your nearest gym - where are they all? Will you have to walk or drive far or could you even call by on your way home from work before you get too comfy in front of the TV?

But what if you decide it isn't for you? Many gyms offer a day (or several days) pass which sometimes is free so you can try before you buy. And some gyms don't tie you into a contract, so you can leave easily if you realise you don't use it enough.

1. The Gym Group

The Gym Group has gyms right across south London - you're sure to find one near you. You're not tied to a contract - so if you decide it's not for your after a few months you can just stop. And they are open 24/7 which is perfect if you finish work really late, are a bit of a night owl or maybe a very early riser - access in the middle of the night is by a pin code and there are security cameras to keep you safe.

They aim to be affordable too - The Gym Group won Budget Gym of the Year Award at the National Fitness Awards 2011. There are two levels of membership and the higher level allows you to use up to five gyms, including your home gym. But they are high-spec and aim to be run as green and sustainable as possible.

How to get a trial pass:

You can try before you buy with day passes available from £4.99 and three and five day passes from £12.99 (prices vary across branches).

3. Sports Direct Fitness

You've shopped in the Sports Direct shop and bought your Lycra and trainers so you look the part - so now it's time to work out in the Sports Direct Fitness gym. There's a Sports Direct Fitness branch in Croydon with weight equipment, a studio and even a swimming pool.

How to get a guest pass:

If a friend or family member is a member then you can use the club with them as a guest for £10. If you want to join afterwards then this value is deducted from the usual joining fee.

4. PureGym

PureGym expert staff can help you get in shape (Image: PureGym)

With flexible membership options, you're not tied into a contract at PureGym so if your good intentions just tail off you can leave easily. Plus most are open 24 hours a day which means if you're working funny hours you can still squeeze in a gym session. The Croydon gym in Frith Road, Crown Hill, opened in 2018 in what used to be Riley's Sports Bar.

How to get a free trial pass:

As at the time of writing for a limited time only, PureGym is offering a free three-day pass. Just click on the link on its website homepage, follow the instructions and you will be sent a pin by email and text to get you into your local PureGym.

5. Nuffield Heath Gym

The health company known for its private hospitals also has gyms to help keep you in tip-top form too. If you're not sure if it's for you you can try one of the free trials. There are swimming pools at its centres, too.

How to get a free trial pass:

You can get a free one-day gym pass by clicking on the link on its website homepage.

6. énergie Fitness

Inside an énergie Fitness gym you can use the step machines (Image: énergie Fitness)

énergie says it will offer something for everyone and invites us to swap a big scary gym for one of theirs. There is even a women only zone at the Croydon branch, for example. And there is an app you can download to keep track of how well you are doing.

How to get a free trial pass:

énergie Fitness offers a free day pass - to get one you need to go to the website and choose your preferred location and when the location page pops up, click on the "Get a day pass" link and fill out the form.

7. Virgin Active

Richard Branson's empire includes a chain of gyms. Depending on your membership, you might be able to use other Active Gyms around the country, so there will be no excuse to miss your workout wherever you are. Family and friends can even join you for a workout if you get them a guest pass.

How to get a guest pass:

If a friend is a guest they can get you a guest pass - prices vary depending on the club you are visiting.

8. David Lloyd

The gloves are off - its time to get fit and a David Lloyd gym is one place to do it (Image: David Lloyd)

If you've got kids then they don't have to be left out of the fun at David Lloyd Clubs. There are loads of activities the whole family can enjoy including swimming, tennis , playframes and even free ipads (check out your lcoal branch to see what is specifically available). You can enjoy a workout while staff keep your children busy. Each David Lloyd club in south London has a swimming pool, by the way.

9. Bannatyne Health Club

After a tough workout you can relax in the luxurious swimming pool and spa at Bannatyne Health Clubs - now that is something to reward yourself with. The clubs are always investing to stay ahead of the trends with the latest equipment and facilties.

How to get a day pass:

You might want to visit for the day because you're thinking of becoming a member or you might want to just enjoy the pool and spa for the day. You can get a day pass from £15 by visiting the website, clicking on the "Health Club" tag and choosing "Buy a Day Pass"

10. DW Fitness First

DW Sports, DW Fitness and Fitness First merged to create DW Fitness first with more than 120 gyms and also 90 shops so you can get kitted out. The gyms have state of the art facilities and a wide choice of classes as well. If you want to try it out you can sign up for a free three day pass.

How to get a free trial pass:

You can get a free three day pass by clicking the button on the website homepage.

11. Shapers

Shapers are women only gyms which is great to know if you feel self-conscious about working out infront men. They are welcoming to woman of all ages, shapes and sizes and promise a relaxed and friendly environment and a workout designed for woman. You get free unlimited personal training for your entire membership and free ongoing nutritional advice.

How to get a free trial pass:

You can book a free guest visit by clocking on the link on the website homepage.

12. Solutions Health & Fitness

Solutions is an independent club in Croydon with years of experience. There is a wide range group fitness classes to choose from including pole fitness, which is like pole dancing. It has a separate female only gym, state of the art cardiovascular equipment, circuits, spinning, free weights, an indoor swimming pool and a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. You can try before you buy with a free one day pass.

How to get a free trial pass:

You can get your free one day pass by contacting the club 14 hours in advance by phoning 020 8681 5353 or emailing membership@solutionsfitness.com

13. Council leisure centres managed by Better

Better manages leisure centres for local councils across south London. They vary in facilities but they might include a gym, exercise classes, sports facilities and maybe a swimming pool. There's always something going on for the whole family and for many people this might be a convenient choice if you want to join a gym and use the other facilities with the rest of your family too. Below we have listed borough by borough those centres which have a gym among the facilities.

How to get a trial pass:

You can buy a short-term pass or membership ranging from a one day gym passes to 30 day leisure centre memberships. You can find out more about one, five and seven day passes and fortnight and month passes here.

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